Smashburger, Live Basil Pizza Head to L.A. LIVE

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Consumer Concept Group (CCG) and AEG announced today that the Denver-based restaurateurs would be bringing three of their most popular restaurants to the L.A. LIVE sports and entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles.

With grand openings planned for the fourth quarter of 2013, renovations to the existing ESPN Zone L.A. LIVE will pave the way to create CCG’s latest concept, Tom’s Urban 24, featuring urban cuisine, epic cocktails, ice cold craft beers on tap, and space for private a group parties.

Within the same space, additional plans are in place to open two other restaurants, Smashburger and the firm’s latest concept, Live Basil Pizza, both developed and operated by CCG.

Anchoring the Southeast corner of L.A. LIVE at Figueroa and Chick Hearn Ct., the three restaurants will occupy approximately 24,000 square feet of restaurant space in Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE, which is directly across the street from STAPLES Center and steps away from The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott, L.A. LIVE hotels, as well as the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

“This is an exciting move for us,” says Rick Schaden, chairman of CCG. “We have spent time developing really great restaurants that appeal to all types of consumers. We are now ready to put them on center stage in one of the biggest entertainment and lifestyle destinations in the nation, LA LIVE.”

Tom Ryan is the namesake behind Tom’s Urban 24. He is also the founder of Smashburger and cofounder of Live Basil Pizza. Though his career experience at Pizza Hut, he engineered the famous Stuffed Crust Pizza and Lover’s Line.

As CMO of McDonald’s, Ryan was the mastermind behind the McGriddles, Big ‘n Tasty, Dollar Menu, and Fruit and Yogurt Parfait.

Just before starting Smashburger, Ryan was at Quiznos developing the Steakhouse Beef Dip, Prime Rib, and Sammies. Ryan was recently recognized by Gourmet Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Entrepreneurs in the Last Quarter Century.”

“L.A. LIVE is the right fit for us,” Schaden says. “It’s not only one of the nation’s premiere entertainment capitals, but it has the urban setting we were looking for—a place where a great number of people eat, work, and play. With the added bonus of being across the street from STAPLES Center, as well as a focal point of L.A. LIVE, we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about our new location.”

Ted Tanner, executive vice president of real estate development for AEG, says, “We’re very excited to have these three popular and proven restaurants join our great mix of entertainment options at L.A. LIVE. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or late night food and an easy and comfortable setting to enjoy pregame or post-game gatherings, Tom’s Urban 24 in particular is sure to be a hit as the restaurant’s cool vibe, modern food, and affordable prices.

“As the mix of visitors to L.A. LIVE continues to include more and more guests attending conventions and other downtown events, these new restaurants will be welcome additions to L.A. LIVE and South Park,” he adds.